Jenny Monroe talks to Ciara Daly, make-up artist

Ciara Daly, 31, from Derriaghy runs the 'Ciara Daly
make-up' business in Lisburn. The mother of two has worked in the hair and
beauty industry for over ten years but her real passion has always been for
makeup. She pursued a career within the industry and became a representative
for various brands. Clara soon realised her real passion was make-up so she
became a qualified beauty therapist and attended various make-up work-shops
and master classes and then went on to get a Diploma from the prestigious
Oonagh Boman School of Makeup before setting up her own business above the
Green Room on Bachelor's Walk.

My day begins with sorting out my children Jay, 2 and
Darcy, 1. On the days I'm working the children's granny takes care of them.
Then I head to my studio.

My week is so varied and it really does depend on what
bookings I have, however, on a Monday and Saturday I run courses so I always
know that is what I'll be doing on those days. It really is a course for
everyone, from beauty therapists to school leavers looking to make some
part-time cash at weddings and formals, to women who are just fed up wearing
the same make-up year in and year out.

Having also trained as a beauty therapist I realised how
extremely little makeup training was given within the beauty industry. I was
approached to start taking workshops in colleges throughout Northern Ireland
to the beauty therapist trainees. As a result of the high demand I decided
to open my own make-up studio and deliver a six week course and it has been
very successful.

It starts at 10am and runs to 4pm. I focus on teaching
the theory side of makeup and giving a full demonstration of the look we are
studying that particular day. I teach the history of make-up right through
the changes in make-up over the years, to face shapes, contouring as well as
how the students should go about setting up heir own make-up business. It is
very extensive and people don't often realise how much there is to learn.

The students are encouraged to carry out the practical
application of the makeup after lunch and towards the end of the class there
will be an assessment of what we've covered. I set some research homework
for the students to complete for the next class. At the end of the course I
organise a photo shoot and the students get to take away photos of the
different make-up looks they have created.

As well as the course I offer lessons and make-up
packages and I work on photo-shoots and fashion shows too.

The reason I began doing makeup was to help others see
their own beauty inside and out. I really enjoy passing on my knowledge. I
always had a genuine interest in everything from hair-trends, fashion
changes and the new make-up techniques of each season and when I started my
work as a freelance makeup artist I enjoyed every minute of it.

Doing someone's make-up is so personal and it's about getting the balance
right. There is no point in doing make-up that you think is fabulous if the
client feels totally uncomfortable wearing it - communication and
consultation is the key. I want my clients to be able to be open and honest
and tell me what they are looking for and then to combine that with my
professional opinion to be able to achieve an all round bespoke look. It
just never ceases to amaze me, the difference a bit of well applied make-up
can make to not only a person's look but more importantly to their
confidence.